Answer these questions accurately when filling out your travel insurance form. Incorrect or incomplete answers are the #1 reason claims get denied.
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Gather All Information First
Check Off Each Item with a Pencil
Be Thorough and Honest
Keep for Your Records
Important: This checklist is designed to help you provide complete and accurate information. Using it can significantly reduce the risk of having your claim denied due to incomplete or incorrect answers.
What is your US state of residence?
Why it matters: Insurance rates and coverage options vary by state. Some states have specific senior protections.
Provide: Your primary state of residence • Full US home address • How long you've lived there
Are you enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid?
Why it matters: Medicare does NOT cover international travel. You MUST have travel insurance for trips outside the US. Medicaid coverage also stops at the border.
YOU MUST DISCLOSE:
⚠️ Critical: Travel insurance coordinates with Medicare. If you don't disclose Medicare, you could have gaps in coverage or payment disputes.
What is your exact date of birth?
Why it matters: Senior age affects coverage and premiums significantly. Incorrect age can void your policy.
Double-check: Match passport exactly • Enter correct month/day/year format
What are your exact travel dates?
Why it matters: Coverage only applies during policy dates. Claims outside these dates are denied.
Include: Departure date from home • Return date to home • Add buffer days if uncertain
What is the total trip cost?
Why it matters: Affects trip cancellation coverage limits. Under-reporting means partial reimbursement.
Include ALL: Flights • Hotels • Tours • Cruises • Pre-paid activities • Non-refundable deposits
What countries/destinations will you visit?
Why it matters: Some destinations require higher coverage or have exclusions. Missing a country = no coverage there.
List ALL: Primary destination • Layover countries • Side trips • Cruise ports
⚠️ #1 REASON FOR SENIOR CLAIM DENIALS - Answer Honestly!
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?
Why it matters: Undisclosed conditions = automatic claim denial. Insurance companies WILL check your medical records. Seniors have higher scrutiny.
YOU MUST DISCLOSE:
⚠️ If unsure, DISCLOSE IT. Better safe than denied!
What medications are you currently taking?
Why it matters: Medications indicate conditions. Claiming you have no conditions while taking heart meds = fraud.
List ALL prescription medications: Drug name • Dosage • What condition it treats • How long you've been taking it
Have you had any medical treatment in the last 6-12 months?
Why it matters: Recent treatment = unstable condition. Must be disclosed even if "feeling fine now."
Include: Hospital stays • ER visits • New diagnoses • Medication changes • Tests ordered by doctor • Specialist referrals
Are you awaiting test results, surgery, or treatment?
Why it matters: Pending medical issues are NOT covered. Claims related to known problems = denied.
Disclose: Scheduled procedures • Pending test results • Symptoms being investigated • Doctor's orders to follow up
When did you make your first trip payment/deposit?
Why it matters: Most policies must be purchased within 14-21 days of first deposit for full cancellation coverage.
Provide exact date: First flight booking • Initial hotel deposit • Cruise deposit • Tour payment
Are you aware of any circumstances that could cause trip cancellation?
Why it matters: Known risks at time of purchase are NOT covered. Answer YES = potential denial.
Examples: Sick family member • Work instability • Weather warnings • Political unrest at destination • Legal issues
Is this trip for business or pleasure?
Why it matters: Business trips may require different coverage. Claiming personal when it's business = denial.
Choose correctly: Pure vacation • Business only • Mixed business/pleasure
CFAR is a premium add-on that allows you to cancel your trip for ANY reason not covered by standard policies. Highly recommended for seniors with unpredictable health.
Do you want CFAR coverage?
Why it matters: Standard policies only cover specific reasons (serious illness, death, etc.). CFAR lets you cancel for ANY reason.
CFAR typically refunds 50-75% of trip costs • Must be purchased within 14-21 days of first deposit • Costs 40-60% more than standard policy
When CFAR Makes Sense for Seniors:
CFAR Requirements You MUST Meet:
Will you participate in any physical activities?
Why it matters: Seniors have higher risk for certain activities. Injury during undisclosed activity = claim denied.
Common activities requiring disclosure:
Are you traveling to high altitude destinations (above 8,000 ft)?
Why it matters: Seniors are at higher risk for altitude sickness. Medical evacuation from mountains is expensive.
Disclose if visiting: Mountain resorts • High altitude cities • Hiking peaks • Machu Picchu, etc.
Do you have any mobility issues or use assistive devices?
Why it matters: Falls and mobility-related injuries are common senior claims. Must disclose use of canes, walkers, wheelchairs.
Disclose: Cane use • Walker • Wheelchair • Balance issues • History of falls • Joint problems
Who is your emergency contact?
Why it matters: Insurance needs to reach someone if you're incapacitated. Wrong number = delays in care.
Provide: Full name • Relationship • Home phone • Mobile phone • Email • Home address
Who is your beneficiary for life insurance benefits?
Why it matters: In case of death, benefits go to this person. Must match legal name exactly.
Provide: Full legal name • Date of birth • Relationship • Percentage of benefit • Contingent beneficiary
What is your primary physician's contact information?
Why it matters: Insurance may need to verify pre-existing conditions or get medical records for claims.
Provide: Doctor's full name • Practice name • Phone number • Fax number • Address
Insurance companies have access to medical databases, prescription records, and travel history. They WILL verify your answers when you file a claim. Seniors face extra scrutiny due to higher medical risks.
Common reasons senior claims are DENIED:
When in doubt, disclose it. It's better to pay a slightly higher premium than have a $50,000 claim denied.
This checklist is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or insurance advice. GlobalTravel.tips is not responsible for denied claims or coverage gaps resulting from the use of this checklist.